Handel, Who Knew What He Liked
by M. T. Anderson, Kevin Hawkes
Candlewick Press 2013
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- individuality
- perseverance
- creativity
- music and the arts
- following your passion
- nonconformity
- self-expression
- historical biography
About this book
This lively picture-book biography follows George Frideric Handel from a strong-willed boy to a composer who stayed true to his own tastes. M.T. Anderson’s playful narration and Kevin Hawkes’s expressive art highlight Handel’s determination, humor, and love of music. It’s a great pick for young readers who enjoy stories about famous figures and the arts, and for families exploring classical music together. Works well as a read-aloud for elementary grades and for independent readers ready for richer nonfiction.
Setting: Germany, Italy, and England in the early 1700s (courts, opera houses, and London)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Handel, Who Knew What He Liked right for my child?
Yes — Handel, Who Knew What He Liked is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.8, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include individuality, perseverance, creativity.
How long does it take to read Handel, Who Knew What He Liked?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Handel, Who Knew What He Liked takes around 10m to finish. The book has 1,700 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Handel, Who Knew What He Liked have an AR quiz?
Yes — Handel, Who Knew What He Liked has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Handel, Who Knew What He Liked?
Handel, Who Knew What He Liked has an AR reading level of 5.8, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.